I was delighted on Wednesday to spot this male Swift Setwing dragonfly (Dythemis velox) during a short visit to Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge. These little dragonflies perch in a distinctive pose with their wings pulled forward, which looked to some scientist like the “ready-set-go” position of a sprinter and is reportedly the reason for the name of the species.
This species is really special to me, because this primarily southern species had never before have been documented in Fairfax County, Virginia, the county where I live, until I spotted one six years ago at this same location. By now there seems to be an established breeding population, and I look forward to seeing them each summer.
As August draws to a close, I am acutely aware that each sighting of a dragonfly could be the last one of the season for that species, so I really savor each encounter. There is beauty all around us, but somehow I have a particular affinity for dragonflies and damselflies—I am endlessly fascinated by these colorful little aerial acrobats.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Very nice Mike! I have never seen this kind of dragonfly before! Nice capture!
Thanks, Reed. I am not sure how widespread this species is. In my area, the refuge where I took this photo is the only place where I know that it can be found.
Nice find and photograph, Mike.
This one does not occur in our area, so thank you!
Nice shot, Mike/ Also not in our area here in New England.
I think that it is mostly found in the South, so I am not surprised to hear that Swift Setwings are not found in New England.